Quanzhou's Sacred Heritage: Temples and Transformation

December 10, 2025

Quanzhou's Sacred Heritage: Temples and Transformation

Our exploration of Ancient Quanzhou City commenced late on a humid afternoon, immediately following our check-in at a downtown hotel in Quanzhou, Fujian.

Right away, our initial walk highlighted the city's dynamic blend of the past and present. Modernity was evident as we passed "Starlight City" and the functional "Quanzhou Bus Station". Looking up, a small bird rested on a wire against a clear blue sky, while a vibrant pot of lemon fruits adorned a nearby rooftop.

The city's atmosphere grew more energetic as we approached our main destination. We found ourselves navigating a flow of after-school students and tourists, passing beneath a large tower positioned to the left of the magnificent Tianhou Temple. Compelled by the temple's rich, intricate roof decorations, we paused to capture their detail. The surrounding street was a hub of bustling activity.

Continuing past the Tianhou Temple's right tower, we arrived at the Guandi Temple. A substantial crowd had gathered here, with the air heavy with the aroma of burning incense. Similar to the Tianhou Temple, the Guandi Temple's roof was elaborately embellished, featuring a particularly detailed dragon. Even here, amidst the history, modern touches like surveillance cameras were mounted on the roof. We took a quiet moment for reflection, observing a cluster of incense sticks burning, and captured a close-up photograph of the rooftop dragon.

The day concluded with a powerful, final image: the distinct silhouette of a new moon sign atop a mosque, prominently set against the fading light of the setting sun. The entire day was a sensory feast of Quanzhou's sights and sounds, a city where history and contemporary daily life beautifully intertwine.

Gears & Settings

Gears & Settings	Figures
Camera	Sony A6700
Lens	Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN
Creative Style	FL
Date	17 May 2024
Location	Quanzhou, Fujian, China

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Photos

#: 1 | SS: 1/2500s | ISO: 100 | F: 2.8 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A large sign on a building on the street says Starlight City in Chinese

#: 2 | SS: 1/1000s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A sign that reads the name of a station Says Quanzhou Bus Station

#: 3 | SS: 1/1250s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: Another view of the Quanzhou Bus Station from the street

#: 4 | SS: 1/800s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A bird sitting on a wire with a clear blue sky

#: 5 | SS: 1/800s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A pot of lemon fruits on the top of a building

#: 6 | SS: 1/1000s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: After school students and tourists walking under a large tower on the left of Tianhou temple

#: 7 | SS: 1/400s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: The Tianhou Temple with a lot of decorations on the roof

#: 8 | SS: 1/500s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A closeup view of the decoration on the roof of Tianhou Temple

#: 9 | SS: 1/320s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A closeup view of the decoration on the roof of Tianhou Temple

#: 10 | SS: 1/640s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A group of people walking around a city of Quanzhou

#: 11 | SS: 1/320s | ISO: 100 | F: 4.0 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A closeup view of the decoration on the roof of Tianhou Temple

#: 12 | SS: 1/640s | ISO: 100 | F: 3.2 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: The right tower of Tianhou Temple

#: 13 | SS: 1/100s | ISO: 100 | F: 3.2 | +/-: 0.0 | FL35: 75mm | Caption: A group of people standing around a Guandi Temple with smoke from burning incense